Tensions soared in Kolkata’s legal circles as the ED dragged West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee to the High Court, accusing her of actively hindering their probe into I-PAC’s shadowy financial dealings. The agency’s petition paints a picture of systematic obstruction, demanding judicial safeguards to protect the investigation’s integrity.
The raids on I-PAC, a powerhouse behind TMC’s digital warfare in elections, yielded digital trails of hawala transactions and benami investments. ED officials, speaking off-record, disclosed evidence suggesting the firm acted as a conduit for black money into political coffers, violating anti-money laundering laws.
Central to ED’s grievance is Banerjee’s post-raid rhetoric, interpreted as direct threats to cooperating staff. Court filings quote her statements urging ‘party workers to stand firm against ED bullies,’ which the agency claims has led to tampered evidence sites and hostile witness attitudes.
While TMC counters that ED operates under political diktats from BJP, the High Court bench expressed preliminary concerns over inflammatory speeches. Adjourning for detailed arguments, Justice [Name withheld] emphasized, ‘No one is above the law, regardless of position.’
This face-off underscores deepening Centre-state chasm, especially in election-bound Bengal. As digital forensics continue, the case could expose vulnerabilities in political funding mechanisms, prompting calls for electoral bond transparency. Political analysts foresee ripple effects on national discourse around agency independence.